Invisalign FAQs
Read the answers to Uptown Dentistry's most frequently asked questions.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth, eliminating the need for brackets or metal wires.
Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will customize a treatment plan based on your individual smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will then be created to precisely fit your teeth during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.
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How does the Invisalign process work?
Invisalign clear plastic aligners move your teeth in small increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for around two weeks until you replace it with the next set.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their corrected positions. The length of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your dentist, taking your specific needs into account.
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How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Your dentist will calculate the duration of your Invisalign treatment based on your unique needs.
Factors that may determine the length of your treatment include the degree of misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement it will take to correct the issue.
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What are Invisalign aligners made of?
The Invisalign aligners are made up of USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins. They are also BPA free.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since Invisalign aligners don't require tightening or adjustments – patients simply switch to a new set of aligners every two or so weeks – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you around every four to six weeks.
At these appointments, your dentist will take the time to review your progress and general oral health, answer any questions, and adjust your treatment if required.
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What are the primary features of Invisalign?
The features of Invisalign include:
- A discreet, low-profile appearance
- Smooth construction for a more comfortable fit
- No time-consuming adjustment appointments
- Removable for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing
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How much does Invisalign cost?
The price of Invisalign will depend on the severity of your case and treatment length. For instance, the more severe the malocclusion, the more aligners you'll need and the more your treatment will cost.
The cost of Invisalign is often comparable to that of traditional orthodontic treatment (braces).
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How will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
You may find that Invisalign fits comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You can take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush or floss. As a result, there are no dietary restrictions, and you can brush and floss thoroughly.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat. This means there are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to enjoy all the foods you please!
However, to avoid staining your clear aligners, we recommend removing them when you consume beverages like coffee, wine, or dark sodas.
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How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question varies between patients since it depends on the severity of your misalignment.
Only your dentist is able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the number of aligners that will be needed, based on a careful evaluation of your bite during the initial consultation.
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Can adults use Invisalign?
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for Invisalign.
An increasing number of adults are investing in orthodontic treatment these days, largely because convenient options like Invisalign are now available.
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Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign has launched a line of aligners specifically for teenagers.
Invisalign Teen aligners come with compliance indicators on them (small blue dots that fade away after the aligners have been worn for a full two weeks) to help teens stay on top of their treatment.
They are also designed with eruption tabs that leave space for second molars and prevent them from growing in crooked.
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How often do I have to change my Invisalign aligners?
Most patients move onto their next set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Your dentist will inform you on how frequently you should change your aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Thoroughly rinse your aligners every time you remove them to clear off dry saliva as well as plaque that could result in bad breath and tooth decay.
Next, soak your aligners with denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and/or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals.
It is also a good idea to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is crucial for avoiding cavities and decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can lead to food debris and bacteria getting stuck between your teeth and aligner, increasing your chance of developing dental issues.
Clean your aligners using a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap. This is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and bacteria-free.
Brush your aligners gently to avoid scratching them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
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Can I play sports with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are removable so you can play sports without risking damage to your aligners.
That being said, keep in mind that Invisalign aligners are to be kept on your teeth for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so manage your time carefully.
You'll also want to use a sports mouth guard that protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly while shifting into their new positions, which means they're more susceptible to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with Invisalign?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners whenever playing your instrument, then pop them back in as soon as you're finished.
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How do I store my aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners come with a case where you can safely store them whenever they're not in use.
Still have a question?
Send us your inquiry, and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Discover the Answers to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about Invisalign clear aligners from Uptown Dentistry in Saint John.